Major Nelson Gets Slammed After Reminding Xbox One Comes With AA Batteries

Posted by: Ernice Gilbert August 12, 2013 in Microsoft, News, Xbox One 10 Comments

Recently Microsoft’s Major Nelson unboxed the Xbox One for the world to see and there, the Xbox frontman talked up the system and the things that come with it, including a recently added headset after Microsoft said the console would not come with one. But it’s what Major said on twitter after the fact that’s gotten gamers perturbed, especially after Microsoft dubbed Xbox One ‘the console of the future’.

One thing I forgot to mention in the #XboxOne unboxing: 2 AA batteries for the controller are included in the box http://t.co/pruoe1idMo

— Larry Hryb (@majornelson) August 9, 2013

Question is, if Xbox One is future proof, why in God’s earth are we still using AA batteries for the console’s controller, forcing gamers to buy, on multiple occasions, batteries to keep their pad alive? That’s so 1995.

And so gamers are ridiculing Xbox One all over again. It’s like the console boarded a train loaded with bad media that has no idea when to stop. But hey, it’s Microsoft’s own fault, this one.

Our Take:

Xbox One controller shouldn’t require external batteries of any kind. It should be an internal, rechargeable battery, a la PS3 and the upcoming PS4.

dink

Hmmm, quote, ‘forcing gamers to buy, on multiple occasions, batteries to keep their pad alive ‘. Unquote.

I use an Xbox rechargeable battery in my controller.
When the wattage drops too low, I simply use the plug-and-play lead to top up and continue playing.

I imagine a similar option will be available with the Xbox One.
dink

Also, I forgot to mention, a built in, none replaceable, rechargeable battery is a very bad move.
Without going into technical details, a problem arises with erratic draining and recharging, and so, rechargeable batteries do not last forever.
ernicegilbert

I’ve never had problems with my PS3 controller bro, not once.
ernicegilbert

Fear enough, but I know a good bit of people who usually buy batteries for their 360 controllers. Not every customer is as aware, so why not make it easier for them?
rpatricky

Same here. Been on the same 2 ps3 controllers since day one.
dink

ernicegilbert @ rpatricky

Really? That’s surprised me, haha. Well done Sony then!
Do you know the type of battery they are using? There are various types of compound in different makes of rechargeable batteries. I know some have different capabilities, such as ‘no memory effect’, etc. More modern batteries are much better of course than those of only a few years ago.
I’m glad you posted about your PS3 controller batteries because it gives people a ‘heads up’.
rpatricky

Pretty sure they are lithium polymer? But I only ever charge them when they are dead. Premature charging constantly can ruin most batteries quickly.
dink

Sounds good. The lithium polymer compound is one of the very latest. There are many things to consider about the type of battery to use, such as the way they discharge and recharge time. Generally those details are not sought after by purchasers and so cheaper, less favourable (for customer) products could be used by manufacturers. I’m pleased Sony have opted for the better. Simple little things like this go a long way in keeping a good reputation and a very much trusted name.

Quote, ‘But I only ever charge them when they are dead. Premature charging constantly can ruin most batteries quickly.’ Unquote.
Yep, exactly true. Good post.
rpatricky

They are actually lithium ion. Still way better than NiCad.
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